Pitch In For Parks

The Old Astoria Neighborhood Association (OANA) joined Friends of Whitey Ford Field (FOWFF) in the largest park cleanups in recent memory. Part of the citywide “Pitch In For Parks” initiative, the event prepared the ballfield for spring with 75 volunteers pruning trees, clearing debris, and filling 150 bags with waste.

Friends of Whitey Ford Field promoted the cleanup through social media and LinkNYC kiosks, expecting 20–30 volunteers—but turnout far exceeded expectations. Participants included teams from Frank Sinatra High School of the Arts, NYC Rising Stars, East River Sharks, and FDNY’s Youth Explorer Program. A DOT representative also presented on the Queens Greenway Project with support from the Queens Borough President’s office.

Special thanks to Peter Rose of Hydro Quebec and the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) team for their support. CHPE, a $6B project bringing renewable energy from Canada to NYC, is 70% complete, with construction ongoing along Shore Boulevard in Astoria Park.

With 750 volunteers citywide, our event ranked third in participation. Friends of Whitey Ford Field is committed to keeping the park in the public eye with more events ahead.

By Neil Nerdan

Photo Credit Alejandra Vanegas